AUSTIN – The Settlement Home for Children (The Home) kicked off a year-long celebration Sunday with a performance at The Long Center featuring Jewel. The singer-songwriter’s childhood reflects that of many of the youth in the care of The Home.
“This was an exciting way for us to start our anniversary festivities,” said Besty Giles, Settlement Club President. “Jewel can relate to the struggles and experiences that children come to us with. We are glad she was able to be a part of this historical celebration.”
The event began in the Kodosky Donor Lounge with a seated dinner for sponsors. Following dinner, sponsors joined other supporters in Dell Hall, where Mayor Steve Adler gave a mayoral proclamation, naming January 10, 2016 “The Settlement Home for Children Day”. Also prior to Jewel’s performance, The Home debuted a 100th Anniversary video, which not only shared the impact The Home has had in 100 years, but also brought tears to attendees’ eyes.
Brad Robb, Executive Director for the Carl C. Anderson Sr. and Marie Jo Anderson Charitable Foundation, spoke on behalf of The Settlement Home and presented a giving opportunity to audience members. “We think The Settlement Home is one of the most effective organizations we can fund, based on it’s commitment to the children, the devotion of the Club and the passion of a large group of volunteers,” said Robb. “The organization is able to advance its mission both in good times and in challenging times. We like the powerful leverage they represent.”
Frost Bank and Capitol Chevrolet were early sponsors of the event and encouraged donors that night to give a minimum of $25,000. The Settlement Home is pleased to announce that funds collected at the event exceeded that goal.
“Capitol Chevrolet has been a supporter of the Settlement Club for as long as I can remember,” said Nancy Nash Harper. “We have proudly supported the programs and services they provide for the girls at The Home. It has been exciting to be a part of an organization that has changed with the times for 100 years, adding new programs as needed, and impacting many lives along the way.”
“We at Frost are very proud of our over forty year relationship with The Settlement Home of Austin,” said Tim Crowley, Regional President for the Austin Region of Frost Bank. “We applaud the work of the women who have led and guided the growth of The Home and its services for the past Century as well as the work of the incredibly dedicated staff. It was our privilege to be a part of last week’s Celebration in recognition of The Settlement Home’s tremendous impact on the lives of the young women they serve here in our community”.
Finally, Jewel took the stage in an intimate performance, where she shared about her youth and young adult life, much of which reflects the lives of the children and young adults that come to The Settlement Home. It was an incredible parallel, and an inspiration to hear how Jewel has struggled, persevered and succeeded, just as The Home encourages its residents to do.
Throughout her performance, Jewel shared personal and intimate stories about her time being homeless and expressed gratitude for the work that The Home does, in addition to her optimism at the future successes of the children and young adults we serve.
Jewel brought down the house with many of her long-time fans’ favorites, but also played some songs off her new album. She closed out the show with a yodel, after sharing her family’s history in the art.
Of course, no birthday celebration is complete without a cake! Following Jewel’s performance, friends and supporters of The Home attended a cake & champagne reception with the singer-songwriter.
“The evening was great success as she touched everyone’s heart with her powerful voice as she spoke about the mission and the impact of our work with children,” said Marilyn Willson, Development Director for The Settlement Home.
About The Settlement Home for Children: Since 1916, The Settlement Home for children has provided opportunities and hope to children in the Austin community. Our mission is to promote healing and growth to children, young adults and families by providing a continuum of care, support and resources. We serve individuals with histories of abuse, neglect, and severe emotional trauma. More information is available at www.settlementhome.org.
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